Global analysis of core histones reveals nucleosomal surfaces required for chromosome bi-orientation

The attachment of sister kinetochores to microtubules from opposite spindle poles is essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Kinetochore assembly requires centromere‐specific nucleosomes containing the histone H3 variant CenH3. However, the functional roles of the canonical histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) in chromosome segregation remain elusive. Using a library of histone point mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , 24 histone residues that conferred sensitivity to the microtubule‐depolymerizing drugs thiabendazole (TBZ) and benomyl were identified. Twenty‐three of these mutations were clustered at three spatially separated nucleosomal regions designated TBS‐I, ‐II, and ‐III ( T BZ/ b enomyl‐ s ensitive regions I–III). Elevation of mono‐polar attachment induced by prior nocodazole treatment was observed in H2A‐I112A (TBS‐I), H2A‐E57A (TBS‐II), and H4‐L97A (TBS‐III) cells. Severe impairment of the centromere localization of Sgo1, a key modulator of chromosome bi‐orientation, occurred in H2A‐I112A and H2A‐E57A cells. In addition, the pericentromeric localization of Htz1, the histone H2A variant, was impaired in H4‐L97A cells. These results suggest that the spatially separated nucleosomal regions, TBS‐I and ‐II, are necessary for Sgo1‐mediated chromosome bi‐orientation and that TBS‐III is required for Htz1 function.